Real Madrid travel to play Celta de Vigo on Saturday, in what is rather bizarrely a top-of-the-table clash. Celta have exceeded all expectations so far, find themselves level on points with the pacesetters after eight games of the season. They're yet to suffer a single competitive defeat, and caused one of the greatest La Liga upsets of recent times when they smashed Barcelona 4-1 last month. Of course, no one expects them to be in the title race come the end of the season, but it'll be interesting to see quite how long this remarkable run can last.
Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
One of La Liga’s surprise packages will look to give Real Madrid a run for their money on Saturday.
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Real Madrid remain favorites for Saturday’s win, but the odds are rather less favorable than one would’ve expected at the start of the season. They’ve yet to really click under Rafael Benítez, and have drawn three of their last five matches in all competitions. Their supporters will doubtless want to see an improvement on the snoozefest that was their goalless draw away at Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League in midweek.
Key player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
No surprises here: Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t a global superstar for no reason. The Portuguese winger seemed rather restricted by Benítez’s decision to play him as a center forward in a 4-4-2 against PSG, with the switch denying him the time and space to cut inside off the flank and arrow shots at goal. He’ll likely be restored to his rightful position on the left for this match, and one would expect him to take full advantage.
Key matchup: Fabián Orellana vs. Marcelo
However, if you think Ronaldo's the only winger worth watching in this match, think again. Celta Vigo's Chilean wide-man Fabián Orellana has enjoyed an excellent season so far, scoring three La Liga goals and creating a couple more. His pace down the right side could well be a crucial feature of this match, especially with his direct opponent Marcelo notorious for his lack of defensive concentration.
Celta de Vigo injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: None.
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Dani Carvajal (ankle); James Rodríguez (thigh); Pepe (leg); Gareth Bale (calf). In doubt: Karim Benzema (hamstring); Mateo Kovačić (thigh).
Celta de Vigo are boosted by having a clean bill of health. The same can’t be said for Real Madrid, who are still set to miss several of their regular faces. However, while the likes of James and Bale are both certainly sidelined, Benzema and Kovačić could still pass late fitness tests and make Benítez’s squad.
Match date/time: Sat., Oct. 24, 10 a.m. ET, 4 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio de Balaídos, Vigo, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (US and Canada - English); beIN Sports en Español (US and Canada - Spanish).
Online: Fubo TV (US); beIN Sports Connect (US and Canada).
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